Assignment

This project focuses on the story of "Raise the Caliber", in which Joseph Jeup combines confiscated weapons from the streets of Detroit (used in violent crimes) and creates lighting.

Approach

While documenting the process of accepting the weapons, Joe asked if I could drive them back to West Michigan. As they sat at my studio before a morning pick-up, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to dig deeper into the story. I wanted to be honest, and that's why I shot them overhead in a harsh & graphic, very literal way. I tried to exert a minimal opinion in the conversation, leaving the viewer to create their own reality. The story is all there in the gritty ugly details.

Results

Have received much positive feedback from the client, and some kind words from people that have stumbled across the imagery just now making it's way into the world.